Deputy Fire Chief Frank Lamie and teams of Toronto fire inspectors (in uniform and carrying proper identification) will take to the streets Wednesday morning in the city’s northwest corner to begin the second phase of an inspection program to check for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

As a response to the many residential fire fatalities Toronto experienced in 2008, Toronto Fire Services launched Project Zero this past May - the first program of its kind in Toronto. In this second phase, fire inspectors will continue to go door-to-door ensuring that
• there are working smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas
• there is at least one carbon monoxide alarm installed in every home equipped with fuel burning appliances, and
• homeowners are provided with information about keeping their homes and families safe by having and practicing a home escape plan.

In Ontario, the law requires that every dwelling unit have a properly maintained smoke alarm installed on every level of the home and in sleeping areas. As a part of Project Zero, homeowners who have not installed smoke alarms will be issued a notice of violation requiring compliance within 24 hours.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. 2009 marks the 175th anniversary of Toronto's incorporation as a city. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and livability for all its residents.